1

If u truly had it:
4 times in the past year, documented pneumonia clinically and by x-ray, you ought to see an allergist/immunologist to investigate your immune system. Most of the time the label "pneumonia" is given to bronchitis or other chest condition, not pneumonia, even asthma. At any rate an allergist/immunologist would decipher your case, check aaaai. Org or acaai. Org for an allergist in your area, good luck
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The immune system developed to tell our own, normal cells (self) from foreign and abnormal cells (non-self). This lets the immune system eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi and cancer cells from our body without harming normal cells. Sometimes the immune system fails to tell self from non-self and it attacks normal cells, for example in joints causing rheumatoid arthritis.
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2

Pneumonia:
Pneumonia and empyema (pus in the pleural space) can produce scarring, depending on the organism, the duration of infection and your reaction to it. Autoimmune disease would be less likely with what you describe, but if this concerns you greatly, seeing an infectious diseases expert or a pulmonologist might be helpful.
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3

How could we tell?:
This is the public information HT site. You get the most from the site when you provide background information on a problem and ask a specific question based on that information. Without symptoms and other description of your problem, we have no basis for any conclusions. You are welcome to start over. Your posts are never linked & go to the site at random.
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4

Pneumonia:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs causes by bacteria or virus. Bacterial pneumonia is more common in community and needs antibiotics. The prognosis depends on various factors like, immunity, age, severity of pneumonia, associated medical conditions like other lung disease, smoking, diabetes etc. The patient will need to see a doctor for exam, investigation and treatment.
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5

No such medical cond:
Your doctor maay be trying to simplify for you to understand that you might develop pneumonia, which can happen if you have bronchitis following sore throat and upper respiratory virus infections which are very common. Sometimes a pneumonia will follow after such infections.
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8

Sometimes:
Sometimes pneumonia is a simple viral process that self heals. It can also be an aggressive bacteria that invades the body starting with the lungs and can kill within days if not discovered and treated. Jim Henson, the puppet master that created the MUPPETS did not get treated for his pneumonia until it was too late, and died because of it.
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9

Pneumonia can be:
Diagnosed on many occasions simply via a thorough history, and physical examination. You can hear rales on examination of the lungs. On laboratory examinations the white count is often elevated. If there is a question the doctor may also order a chest xray.
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10

PNA treatable.:
In a young person, like yourself it's usually treatable without much danger. In an older person with significant medical issue, however, could be fatal. Pneumonia needs to be taken seriously and treated appropriately.
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12

It depends.:
There are different types of bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia in the community. Infections acquired in the hospital can be caused by different bugs. Viral pneumonia would not respond to any antibiotics. On rare occasions pneumonia could be cause by a fungus.
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14

Respiratory droplets:
Pneumonia is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. The bacteria can live in a person's throat without causing symptoms, so you can even get it from a person who doesn't look sick. Avoid the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and being cautious around sick people.
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18

Many possibilities:
Viral pneumonias probably most common in this age group, but atypical pneumonias (mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella) can also occur. Bacterial pneumonias are less common in this age group, but do occur.
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19

Many causes:
Non-bacterial pneumonia is a broad term that could mean lung infection caused by viruses, fungi, TB or chemical/toxic exposures. Prognosis depends upon the cause, extent of lung involvement & immune status of the infected person.
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22

Hundreds:
There are many dozens upon dozens of types of pneumonia, specifically related to what has caused it, what is affected, degree of infection, etc. Virus, bacteria, mycobacteria, chemicals, inherited diseases, etc can all result in pneumonia of one type or another.
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23

Few causes:
Most pneumonias caused by inhalation of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungii. Defense mechanism of body reacts to infection with white blood cells as defense. More pneumonias occur in immune compromised individuals. Aspiration is another cause of pneumonia, Food and liquids go into lungs. A lot of times patient drunk or neurologically compromised.
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24

Hmmmmmm?:
I assume you are referring to an "infectious disease" doctor. An id doctor is an internest who has subspecialized in infectious diseases. They treat and make recommendations for treatment on many infection states. Some practice independently and treat a panel of patients primarily. Most are consultants to other physicians and make recommendatins on treatment. They are a expert on pneumonia.
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26

Dozens:
Pneumonia (inflammation of lungs) may be due to non-infectious conditions including medications, collogen-vascular disease, conditions like sarcoidosis, etc. It can also be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, parasites. It can occur by aspiration of material from above, extension thru the blood stream, by direct penetration or extension from adjacent structures. Complex subject.
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28

Pneumonia.:
Symptoms include cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, chills and sweats. Can develop quickly or can take some time, depending on the bacterium/virus involved. Signs include a measured fever and typical findings on a chest X-ray.
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29

PNA treatable.:
In a young person, it's usually treatable without much danger. In an older person with significant medical issue, however, could be fatal. Pneumonia needs to be taken seriously and treated appropriately.
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30

How concerned?:
If someone you love died or suffered badly with pneumonia, it may affect you. Hopefully it will make you not want to smoke -- the habit increases risk. If you have the obsessive idea that you will get pneumonia, and it's troubling you, a short course of psychotherapy to learn to substitute better thoughts / understand yourself might be in order.
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